Title

Authors

Degree Name

MS in Management

First Advisor

Annie Viets

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe and learn from the strategic planning process in a nonprofit organization and its perceived impact on organizational effectiveness. The study examined the strategic planning process and its effectiveness at the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW). Through the inquiry processes of interviews, surveys and document review, data was gathered from ICRW. The study also included a literature review which focused on understanding the strategic planning process that is recommended for nonprofits, the characteristics of effective strategic planning and its impact on organizational performance.

The findings and analysis revealed that the strategic planning process followed at ICRW is in line with the concepts found in the literature review. The planning process is also found to have brought about positive outcomes for the organization. On the other hand, the implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes were not found to have been done systematically and consistently.

Authors of strategic planning texts suggest giving emphasis to proper implementation and monitoring results. Although the planning process itself has benefits -- such as helping the members of an organization bring into focus its priorities -- the plans need to be implemented to achieve all of the intended results and bring about overall effectiveness.